Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Senor Buscador

Senor Buscador has talent—that much is obvious. The stretch-running colt joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a powerful romp in the Remington Springboard Mile S. at Remington Park, dominating his rivals by 5 3/4 lengths.

But Senor Buscador also has an exciting pedigree geared toward success in the spring classics. Indeed, the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby (G1) should be well within reach for Senor Buscador, stamping the bay colt as an exciting “Run for the Roses” contender.

It’s possible for horses to have more stamina than necessary to excel in the Triple Crown series. In these instances, the tradeoff is usually a decrease in the miler speed—“brilliance,” if you will—that’s such a key component for success in the Kentucky Derby.

That’s why it’s important to note Senor Buscador’s pedigree isn’t just stacked with stamina—it’s specifically stacked with classic stamina, combining doses of speed to counterbalance the long-winded genetics.

The top half of Senor Buscador’s pedigree is absolutely packed with classic stamina. His sire, Mineshaft, nabbed 2003 Horse of the Year honors after winning a prestigious series of two-turn routes, including the 1 1/4-mile Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), the 1 1/4-mile Suburban H. (G1), and the 1 3/16-mile Pimlico Special H. (G1). Mineshaft, in turn, is a son of Belmont Stakes (G1) winner A.P. Indy out of a mare by breed-shaping sire Mr. Prospector, whose descendants include dozens of American classic winners.

Mineshaft has definitely been passing on stamina to his progeny. The best of them have excelled almost exclusively in two-turn events, with 2010 Belmont Stakes runner-up Fly Down and 2011 Florida Derby (G1) winner Dialed In among the best. Effinex, It’s Tricky, Weep No More, and Bond Holder are other Grade 1-winning routers sired by Mineshaft.

Digging deeper, Senor Buscador was produced by the Desert God mare Rose’s Desert, a New Mexico-bred runner who compiled a stellar 15-10-5-0 resume while earning $626,035. A seven-time stakes winner over distances ranging from 5 1/2 furlongs to a mile, Rose’s Deserts previous foals include Sunland Derby (G3) winner Runaway Ghost and Winsham Lad H. winner Sheriff Brown, both stakes winners running a mile or farther.

Rose’s Desert’s sire, Desert God, might not be a household name, but the Virginia-bred stallion has surely contributed a dose of stamina to Senor Buscador’s pedigree. A son of Metropolitan H. (G1) winner Fappiano (whose progeny include 1990 Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled), Desert God was produced by the 1982 Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Blush With Pride, in turn a daughter of French classic winner and influential sire Blushing Groom.

Blushing Groom has been a source of classic stamina, and the same can be said of Blush With Pride. In addition to Desert God, Blush With Pride is the dam of Better Than Honour, whose foals include Belmont Stakes winners Jazil and Rags to Riches plus Breeders’ Cup Marathon winner Man of Iron.

With this elite pedigree in tow, Desert God was given a chance at stud even though he never raced, and it’s safe to say the gamble paid off. A leading sire on multiple occasions in New Mexico, Desert God most famously sired the New Mexican sensation Peppers Pride, who compiled a 19-for-19 record (including 14 stakes wins) while campaigning from 5 1/2 furlongs to a mile.

As a broodmare sire, Desert God has enjoyed success from relatively limited opportunities. In addition to Senor Buscador, Runaway Ghost, and Sheriff Brown, Desert God is responsible for Carressa, a daughter of Uncle Mo who prevailed in the Megahertz (G3) racing a mile on turf.

Only time will tell if Senor Buscador has the talent to win the Kentucky Derby. But he certainly has the pedigree to challenge for victory under the Twin Spires.